On February 2 the Orthodox Church celebrates one of the 12 major feasts of the year: “The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple.” The feast recalls both an historical event and also reveals the significance of that event for us humans.

Icon by Andrei Rublev

You may read about the biblical basis for today’s feast by clicking here: Luke 2:22-40. The Scripture recounts how the parents of the Child Jesus presented their 40-day-old son in the Temple in Jerusalem. They were required to do so by the Old Testament law, which commanded that “every male child that opens the womb will be called ‘holy to God'” (Exodus 13:12). In other words, Jewish parents were to offer and dedicate their first-born male child to God. In order to “redeem” (that is, to symbolically buy back) their child, they were to offer a sacrifice of two turtle doves or a young lamb in exchange for him.

When the Child Jesus was brought to the Temple, he was among dozens of other first-born sons being dedicated to God. However, two righteous older people in the Temple that day recognized that this baby boy was special, unique, among all the others. One, Simeon the elder, and the other, Anna the prophetess, recognized Him as the the Messiah, the King of Israel, who would redeem all people from sin.

The main hymn for this feast reveals its significance:

“Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, from you rose the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those who sat in darkness. Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder, for you accepted in your arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who grants us the Resurrection.” –Troparion of the Feast, Tone 1

One of my favorite liturgical texts occurs in the Matins service of this feast. In this poetic text, Jesus, the Christ Child, speaks to the old man, Simeon, in the Temple, and says:

“It is not you who hold me, but I uphold you!”

As we celebrate this feast, let us remember to accept the Child Jesus with open arms, but also let us remember that God holds us in His arms!

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Our Church’s Patronal Icon & Hymn

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, who hast revealed the fisherman as most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit. Through them Thou didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of mankind, glory to Thee!